Propane Stoves

[alan_critchlow]

We presently have a kerosene stove. We are considering a propane
stove. We would need enough propane for a month of use. Does any one
have their Vega set up for two 10 lb tanks? I would like to know how
they arranged it.

Alan & Felicity V 1639 Voila

 

[mphalv]

We put two 10-pound propane tanks on the fantail behind the cockpit--we used
the short, squat tanks so that they would have a low profile. Paint them
every few years to minimize rust. We have a shut-off solenoid in the cabin
right by the stove, but after burning off the propane in the line after use, we
then shut the fuel off at the tank. This minimizes any chance of propane
getting into the bilge. Have had no problems with this system in 20 years of
use.

Melanie & Paul Halvachs
V1826 Double Fantasy
Holden, Maine

 

[alan_critchlow]

Hello Melanie & Paul Halvachs, I thought of intalling them there as
well but I am worried about the engine vent on deck. I no longer use
it so I suppose I could block it off. I would not want any leaking
gas go through the vent to exactly where I do not want.

Alan & Felicity

 

[SVFlyAway]

Actually I believe it is against USCG regulations to mount a tank in a
position where the propane could enter through a vent or any opening into
the boat. All propane installations have to have a clear, unobstructed
drain, down and overboard. Also there has to be a shutoff at the tanks (most
new boats use an electric solenoid here). US law then requires a single hose
with no connections from the shutoff valve at the tank to the appliance
valve (at least this was the law last time I did an installation, a few
years ago). I once had my big boat surveyed by a European surveyor before a
crossing and he said the European law was different regarding the hose
connecting the tank to the appliance (though I don't remember the
particulars).



I once saw a very interesting article of an installation of propane tanks on
deck. They used a very large, white plastic drain pipe. This was clamped to
the pulpit or maybe the rig. They had a plywood top and bottom fitted (and
painted to match). Of course they had the proper drains for the propane and
the connection hose. The solenoid valve was fitted inside the housing.



One thought about mounting it on the rear deck. Maybe it would work to use a
tank housing as above, with a drain hose going into the deck and exiting the
transom, below the deck - or something like that. I haven't thought it
through thoroughly - comments or suggestions welcome as I am planning just
such an installation this spring.



_____

From: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of alan_critchlow
Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2006 8:49 AM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Propane Stoves



Hello Melanie & Paul Halvachs, I thought of intalling them there as
well but I am worried about the engine vent on deck. I no longer use
it so I suppose I could block it off. I would not want any leaking
gas go through the vent to exactly where I do not want.

Alan & Felicity

 

[mphalv]

Of course, there are actually two vents. I suppose that if the vent was on
intake while a leak was occurring. Hmmm?
I am personally aware of one explosion (occurred at the marina where we were
living aboard) involving a camp stove used below to heat coffee. Raised the
deck six inches, and sent two people to the hospital with burns. But
another friend lost his boat to an alcohol fire during refueling.
I agree that a vented overboard box would be the correct method. I do have a
canvas cover. However, I believe that vigilance is better than any device.
I always keep the propane turned off by using the shutoff valve on the top
of the tank. There is the battery operated cutoff that is up on the deck by
the tanks with the button by the stove. As soon as the cooking is done, I
engage the battery operated valve and burn off any fuel in line. Then I turn
off the manual valve on the stove and the tank cutoff. The stove also has a
flameout cut off.
In the spring, while the drain plug is out, I check each component by
pressurizing the system and checking for pressure loss at each cutoff.
My hose is armored ie hose inside of braided stainless steel wire covering.
I have never been able to find the like even through I have searched for it.
I respect propane.

Paul
Double Fantasy

 

[vegatern]

The boat I recently purchased carries two 10 lb tanks mounted on
the pushpit. The bottoms of the tanks are supported by a hook type
fitting made by perko that was designed to hold boat hooks. These
are attached to the stanchions. The tops of the tanks are held to the
rail with hose clamps. It is a strong installation. One tank is
used until empty and then the regulator is moved to the full one. The
valves are turned on at the tank and then at the stove. To shut down
I shut of the tank and burn off the propane, then close the valve at
the stove. The previous owner used this system for about 10 years
without problems, although I have just finished adding a bilge blower
to vacate any gas that might get away.
One disadvantage to this system is that the tanks on the rail would
add considerable resistance if they were to be struck by a boarding
wave. They also make it difficult to mount other equipment, such as a
life ring. I have seen an article in an older issue of the American
Vega Assn. Newsletter that described a gas tight locker with a water
tight deck hatch and a through hull gas drain. These were built into
the stern quarter decks, but must have been for smaller tanks. Such
an installation could be very clean. I think that I have read that 1
lb will provide enough energy to cook for one week, but now I can't
find the reference to check it.
Craig
Tern # 1519